Friday, June 24, 2016

A step backward in Turkey

Turkey has passed new legislation that will largely insulate military personnel from the jurisdiction of civilian courts. According to thisWall Stret Journal report,

Prosecutors investigating complaints of abuse in counterterrorism operations will now be required to seek the prime minister’s approval before filing charges against any top general. The defense or interior ministries would have to authorize any charges against lower-ranking military personnel.

Officers and soldiers who end up being charged would go to trial in military courts, under a provision of the law that reduces the jurisdiction of civilian courts.